Myrtle Beach Woman Arrested for Igniting 2,000-Acre Wildfire

News Summary

A 40-year-old Myrtle Beach resident, Alexandra Bialousow, has been arrested for allegedly starting a wildfire that consumed over 2,000 acres. The Covington Drive Fire, sparked during a backyard debris burn on March 1, 2025, has raised serious concerns about fire safety in the area. Local and state officials are on high alert as firefighters continue to manage the risks, and Bialousow faces serious charges for negligence.

Myrtle Beach Woman Arrested After Backyard Fire Ignites 2,000-Acre Wildfire

In a shocking turn of events, a 40-year-old Myrtle Beach resident, Alexandra Bialousow, has found herself in a bit of hot water after allegedly sparking a massive wildfire that has scorched over 2,000 acres. This incident occurred on March 1, 2025, and it has left many residents stunned and the local community on high alert.

The Covington Drive Fire

The wildfire, now known as the Covington Drive Fire, was ignited during what many thought would be a harmless backyard debris burn. Unfortunately, the fire quickly spread beyond Bialousow’s control, leading to significant destruction in the area. The South Carolina Forestry Commission has indicated that it was Bialousow’s negligence in handling the fire that led to this catastrophic blaze.

Details of the Incident

Witnesses reported seeing Bialousow start a fire in her backyard fire pit, located dangerously close to a tree line. Despite the evident risks, she seemingly proceeded without taking necessary precautions to contain the fire. This careless act has now resulted in serious charges of arson against her for failing to comply with fire regulations.

As of March 11, firefighters have managed to contain the wildfire to about 60%. This progress came after a significant rainfall on March 10, which helped improve the firefighting conditions, but unfortunately, it did not completely extinguish the blaze. The fire did not merely ravage the surface; it has also been smoldering underground within the peat layers, leading to concerns about potential re-ignition as the weather continues to warm up and dry out.

State Officials Weigh In

Local state officials have made it clear that despite the positive efforts in containing the fire, the county is still facing an ongoing risk. The recent rains have aided firefighting efforts, but the state remains vigilant. The South Carolina National Guard has joined the fight against the flames, contributing an impressive tally of over 970 aerial water drops to further assist local firefighters.

Community Response

In light of the situation, Horry County Fire Rescue has confirmed there were no injuries or damages reported to properties during this distressing event. Thankfully, evacuation orders put in place after the fire began have now been lifted. Following the containment progress, Horry County has recently lifted its local burn ban, permitting controlled burns again, but officials are urging residents to strictly adhere to the regulations designed to prevent any future incidents.

Looking Ahead

Bialousow was arrested and later released on a bond set at $15,000. She is scheduled to appear in court on April 15 to face the consequences of her actions. For the community, this situation serves as a reminder of the responsibility residents must shoulder when it comes to fire safety, especially during a season when dry conditions can turn a small flicker into a raging inferno.

Ongoing Monitoring and Caution

Amidst all this, firefighters and emergency personnel remain actively engaged in monitoring the remaining risks posed by the Covington Drive Fire, especially with the potential for flare-ups still very real. The government has declared a state of emergency to provide free rein for essential wildfire fighting efforts across the state, as several other fires have popped up in the region due to dry conditions.

While improvements in air quality have been reported post-fire, those sensitive to smoke should limit their outdoor activities until conditions improve. With residents being asked to be extra cautious, it’s essential that everyone does their part to avoid future mishaps.

As the Myrtle Beach community starts to pick up the pieces, this wildfire serves as a stark reminder of the power and dangers that can arise from a seemingly harmless fire. Stay safe, everyone!

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Additional Resources

• USA Today: Myrtle Beach Woman Arrested for Wildfire
• Wikipedia: Wildfire
• Fox News: Myrtle Beach Wildfire Incident
• Google Search: Myrtle Beach wildfire
• CNN: Cause of Myrtle Beach Fire
• Google Scholar: Wildfire Management
• Myrtle Beach Online: Political Response to Wildfires
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
• WMBF News: Carolina Forest Wildfire Update
• Google News: Myrtle Beach fire